In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples, sculptures and carvings. Witness the five Rathas or chariots, each dedicated to a Hindu God, and marvel at the intricate Shore Temple by the Bay of Bengal. In the afternoon, explore the Mahabalipuram Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Enjoy a stroll along the beach promenade and indulge in local snacks such as crispy fried fish and prawn fritters. In the evening, head to the Tiger Cave, a rock-cut Hindu temple with a mandapa and a tiger head-shaped entrance. Witness the beautiful sunset from the temple and return to Chennai.
Spend a fun-filled day at VGP Universal Kingdom, a popular amusement park with thrilling rides, water slides, a snow kingdom and a petting zoo. In the morning, enjoy the kid-friendly rides such as the Ferris wheel, bumper cars and the carousel. In the afternoon, cool off at the water park, with wave pools, splash pads and water slides for all ages. In the evening, brave the hair-raising rides such as the Top Spin, the Hurricane and the Waterfall coaster. Enjoy dinner at the in-park restaurants and return to your hotel.
Consider visiting the Government Museum in Chennai, showcasing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, numismatics and natural history. Take a side trip to the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers with over 100 species of migratory birds. To maximize your fun, try the traditional South Indian dishes such as dosa, idli and sambar at local eateries such as Murugan Idli Shop and Saravana Bhavan. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs such as silk saris, perfumes and spices at the T Nagar market and Pondy Bazaar.